Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)

In 1990 Congress passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). The purpose of this Act was to provide compensation to individuals who contracted certain cancers and other serious illnesses as a result of above-ground nuclear weapons testing or the uranium mining industry.

The Act provides fixed payments in the following amounts:

$50,000 to individuals residing or working “downwind” of the Nevada Test Site
$75,000 for workers participating in above-ground nuclear weapons tests
$100,000 for uranium miners

In 2000, RECA was amended and made provisions for the creation of the Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP), to help expand the medical screening and education of former uranium workers, downwinders, and on-site participants who meet RECA qualifications.

For more information on RECA please visit the following website: www.usdoj.gov/civil/torts/const/reca/about.htm

For information on the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act: www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/eeoicp/main.htm